WASHINGTON,D.C.  DRIVER’S EDUCATION

Summary of Washington D.C. Graduated Licensing Law

Washington D.C. has a three stage licensing process for minors.
  1. Learner’s Permit (at least age 16) We recommend our DriverEdToGo Video-to use during the Learner stage. Shows the parent how to teach collision-free driving habits and provides unique teaching tools (mirrors, checklists, videos, audio instruction series, etc.).
  2. Provisional License (at least 16 ½ )
  3. Driver’s License (at least age 17)
Washington D.C. License Chart
Learner's License
Age 15

Requirements
Under 18, Parent/guardian approval.

Knowledge & vision exams.

Restrictions
Licensed driver 21 or over seated next to driver.

Seatbelts required.

 
Intermediate License
Age 16 - 17

Requirements
Held Learner’s Permit minimum 6 months.

Certify minimum 40 hours supervised driving.

Road test.

No conviction of assessable offense.

Restrictions
No passengers under 21 unless siblings AND licensed driver 21 or over seated next to driver.

Sunday through Thursday may not drive between 11:00 p.m. & 6:00 a.m. EXCEPT:

  • July & August may not drive between midnight & 6:00 a.m.
  • License driver 21 or over seated next to driver.
  • To & from work, school-sponsored activity, religious or athletic event.
  • To related training session in which driver is participant, sponsored by the District, civic organization or similar entity that takes responsibility for minor.
 
Driver's License
Age 17

Requirements
Under age 21
Held Provisional License minimum 6 months.

Certify supervised practice minimum 10 hours at night.

No conviction of assessable offense.

21 or Older
Knowledge & Road tests.

Restrictions
Seatbelts required.

Under age 21
No more than 2 passengers under 21 (except siblings).

Sunday through Thursday may not drive between 11:00 p.m. & 6:00 a.m. EXCEPT:

  • July & August may not drive between midnight & 6:00 a.m.
  • To & from work, school-sponsored activity, religious or athletic events.